Saturday Update: City workers and residents continue clean-up

Oneida Fire Chief Gregg Myers on the phone on Lenox Avenue. As with many involved in flood recovery, his phone has been ringing non-stop. First Deputy Chief Jim Dalzell in the background. (Dispatch Photo by Jolene Cleaver)

ONEIDA>> Acting Mayor Max Smith said that reclamation in the area is in full force and that city is on track to get things back up and running soon.

The state of emergency is still active in Oneida, though this is in place more from a policy standpoint and a governance standpoint: because of the state of emergency, city officials are given more flexibility with passing resolutions pertaining to the flood. At the same time, it allows police to keep non-residents out of the area.

Smith said that he is impressed with how well different organizations and businesses are coordinating, and that even though Oneida is still working in the wake of the flood, they are on the right track.

"The landfill has stayed open odd hours to accommodate us here, which is wonderful," Smith said. "I'm impressed with how well the department of public works and the fire department are working together on this to get people into their homes as quickly as possible."

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Governor Andrew Cuomo sent 250 National Guard members to New York State flood zones recently to aid with repairs and clean-up. After seeing the amount of work that the city has already but in and continues to put in, the National Guard determined that at this point, Oneida wasn't in need of their service. Smith said that this is another testament to the great work that the city departments have achieved.

No buildings in the flood zone have been officially condemned, but Smith siad that eight or so are currently being watched and sealed off until they can be inspected, all of them showing initial signs of significant structural damage. The city is urging owners to avoid entering these buildings. Smith was unsure of the exact addresses at the time of this report.

Smith said that the city is continually monitoring Oneida Creek and that at this point it looks to be at safe, but foreboding levels. Consistent rainfall may be in the city's near future. He said that he is proud of the workers and the residents of that area that continue to work hard despite more rain and holidays.

"There are some homes in the affected areas that continue to fly the American Flag," Smith said. "It's a testament to that can-do spirit in all Americans, to use hard work and see things through."

-A boil water notice is still in effect for homes on Linden, Mott, Stoddard and Stephen streets as well as Lexington Avenue. It's is recommended that all homes in the flood zone boil water

-Madison County Health Department will be administering free tetanus shots on July 8 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Armory on Grove Street. The health department encourages anyone who is working in the flood zone to make sure that they are up to date on their tetanus shots.

-Anyone interested in helping volunteer for clean-up or other work can contact Helen Acker at 264-9221.